ai4bharat/Pralekha huggingface dataset:
Ministry of Science & Technology
ARCI develops Fuel Cell Technology for Disaster Management
Scientists at International Advanced Research for Powder Metallurgy & New Materials , Hyderabad, an autonomous R&D Centre of Department of Science and Technology  have developed Polymer Electrolyte Membrane fuel cells .
PEMFC, in its entireness, have an advantage of operational capability at low-temperatures with applications in decentralised power generation systems. Through intense R&D efforts in the area of fuel cell technologies, ARCI at its Centre for Fuel Cell Technology, Chennai has developed in-house PEMFC systems in the power range of 1 to 20 kiloWatt  and demonstrated the same in stationary  and transport applications . Emergency Operation Centres  backed with 10 kW system along with fuel cell stack , air moving sub systems, power control devices and control and monitoring system is being planned as a natural disaster management measure.
PEMFC stack of 5 kW capacity
Natural disasters are consequences of calamities like earthquake, landslide, cyclone, flood, tsunami, and so on that affects human activities.Tamil Nadu is generally affected by five to six cyclones every year, of which two to three are severe. There has been a paradigm shift in the focus of Disaster Management, from response-centric  to laying greater emphasis on the other elements of disaster management cycle  as a means to avert the impact of future emergencies.
The Government of Tamil Nadu places equal importance on both the approaches and is keen to develop a robust disaster management system. The latest concept in disaster management all over the World is about conversion of Control Rooms to Emergency Operation Centres . EOCs respond immediately during an emergency situation with State-of-the-Art communication systems. This helps in providing immediate support during the Golden Hour of the disaster.
Hence, the State Government decided to look at the prospect of converting the existing Control Room to EOC backed with 10 kW system along with fuel cell stack, air moving sub systems, power control devices and control and monitoring system. Fuel cell systems offer a potential benefit in terms of providing sustainable electricity using hydrogen gas without the need of grid power as required by conventional battery backup systems. Recently, ARCI demonstrated feasibility of providing power to EOCs. PEMFC stack with capacity of 5kW has been installed on mobile truck and demonstrated on December 5, 2019 at Tamil Nadu State Disaster Management Authority . Dr. J. Radhakrishnan, Commissioner, Revenue Administration and Disaster Management witnessed the demo and appreciated the prowess of PEMFC technology.
Dr. J. Radhakrishnan I.A.S, acknowledging the prowess of PEMFC
ARCI is now planning to set up a PEMFC system up to 10 kW capacity at Tamil Nadu State Emergency Operation Centre  to operate the systems like early warning systems, VHF set, IP phone, BSNL Ethernet and office equipment like scanner, computers, printers, phone, FAX and normal requirements like lighting and fan.
Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
COVID-19 UPDATE
103.53 cr vaccine doses have been administered so far under Nationwide Vaccination Drive
13,451 new cases in the last 24 hours
Recovery Rate currently at 98.19%; Highest since March 2020
14,021 recoveries in the last 24 hours increases Total Recoveries to 3,35,97,339
Active cases account for less than 1% of total cases, currently at 0.48%; Lowest since March 2020
India's Active caseload stands at 1,62,661; lowest in 242 days
Weekly Positivity Rate  less than 2% for last 33 days
Daily positivity rate  less than 2% for last 23 days
60.32 cr Total Tests conducted so far
Ministry of Tourism
Ministry of Tourism organises 6th webinar of Dekho Apna Desh Series on‘Making India an Inclusive Travel Destination For All’
The Webinar showcased the endless possibilities for Accessible Travel in India
The Ministry of Tourism, Govt. of India is organising a series of Webinars on the overall theme of ‘Dekho Apna Desh’. The objective of these Webinars is to create awareness about and promote various tourism destinations of India – including the lesser known destinations and lesser known facets of popular destinations. In addition, thematic Webinars are also being organised on subjects such as Accessible Tourism. The 6th Webinar of the series was organised on 22nd April 2020 on the subject ‘Making India an Inclusive Travel Destination For All’.This webinar was heard live by more than 1700 people from all across the world.
The Webinar was a journey across various destinations in India where people with disabilities have travelled.From the ancient city of Varanasi and exploring the Ghats on a boat, to the snow slopes of Gulmarg, from the Harmandir Sahib Temple  in Amritsar to the Dalai Lama monastery in Dharamshala. From the Jaisalmer fort to rafting in Rishikesh. From the backwaters of Kerala to national parks in Karnataka. Whether it was a hearing impaired couple or a visually impaired couple, travellers on wheelchairs, groups or solo travellers from across the globe, all these destinations have been conquered by them. The Webinar showcased the endless possibilities for Accessible Travel in India. Facilities available for persons with disabilities at various sites in India and important factors to be kept in mind while planning travel for them were also highlighted in the Webinar.
In this backdrop, it is pertinent to note that India’s “The Right of Persons with Disabilities Act , 2016” which came into force in 2017 is big step towards ‘Making India an Inclusive Travel Destination For All ‘.This Act not only increased the types of disabilities from existing 7 to 21 but also enhanced the Rights and Entitlements of Divyangjan there by providing effective mechanism for ensuring their empowerment and true inclusion into the Society in a satisfactory manner.
The webinar was conducted by Neha Arora, the founder of Planet Abled, an organization which provides accessible and inclusive travel solutions for people with different disabilities. She was assisted by a sign language expert interpreting the proceedings for participants who are hearing impaired.
Ministry of Finance
Union Budget proposes measures to deepen Corporate Debt markets
Government will work with regulators RBI/SEBI to enable stock exchanges to allow AA rated bonds as collaterals
A number of measures to further deepen bond markets have been proposed by the Union Minister of Finance and Corporate Affairs, Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman, while presenting the Union Budget 2019-20 in Parliament today.
The Finance Minister said, “Corporate Debt markets are crucial for the infrastructure sector. Though the number and value of bond issuances had gone up, there has been a dip in the last two years. The market is skewed in favour of private placement”.
The Finance Minister added that given the need to further deepen bond markets, a number of measures are proposed to be taken up, which are as follows;
- To deepen the Corporate tri-party repo market in Corporate Debt securities, Government will work with regulators RBI/SEBI to enable stock exchanges to allow AA rated bonds as collaterals.
- User-friendliness of trading platforms for corporate bonds will be reviewed, including issues arising-out of capping of ISINs.
Ministry of Railways
Historic Features of Kolhapur being utilised while revamping infrastructure facilities like Train stations and Airports :Member of Parliament Shri Dhananjay Mahadhik
PM lays foundation stone for redevelopment of 508 Railway Stations across the country
In a stride towards modernization, Indian Railway stations are embracing a new era of excellence, leaving behind the image of dilapidation and lack of amenities. Addressing the gathering at Shri Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj Terminus Kolhapur, Member of Parliament Shri Dhananjay Mahadik commended the visionary development efforts and expressed delight in witnessing the historic features of the Kolhapur Railway station's building being retained or seamlessly integrated into the new design during its redevelopment.
Marking a historic milestone, the Honorable Prime Minister graced the Foundation stone laying ceremony for the redevelopment of 508 railway stations through a virtual address. The extensive redevelopment project, with a budget of over Rs 24,470 crores, will encompass stations across 27 states and union territories, including 44 stations in Maharashtra.
The Chief Project Manager of Indian Railways, Shri Prakash Upadhyay, enthralled the audience with a comprehensive PowerPoint presentation, revealing the grand vision for the revamped Kolhapur Railway station. The station's new design will incorporate cutting-edge facilities to enhance passenger experience, including a spacious Portico, a 12-meter-long Foot over Bridge, Divyang-friendly amenities such as lifts, ramps, and escalators, and modern Video Display Units to showcase the Train Information System.To read further details about proposed re-development of Shri Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj Terminus Kolhapur Please click here.
This occasion also witnessed the felicitation of esteemed Freedom Fighters, Shri Kalgauda Patil and Shri Vasantrao Mane, who were recognized for their significant contributions to the nation's freedom struggle.
As part of the celebration, the winners of a drawing competition held in various schools were honored, adding a touch of youthful creativity to the event. Additionally, numerous schools graced the venue with vibrant song and dance performances, exuding the spirit of unity and joy.
The Medical department of Central Railway's Pune Division demonstrated their commitment to passenger welfare by arranging a First Aid Booth, ensuring the well-being of attendees during the ceremony.
Divisional Finance Manager Rahul Patil and Station Master of Shri Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj Terminus Kolhapur VIjay Kumar and other dignitaries were present on this occasion.
The reimagining of Indian Railway stations is aligned with the government's vision to create a seamless and convenient transportation network for citizens. Airports, Roads, and Railways are being developed in tandem, revolutionizing travel and enhancing the overall quality of life.
To read further details about proposed re-development of Shri Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj Terminus Kolhapur Please click here.
Prime Minister's Office
Telephone Conversation between PM and President of the Republic of South Africa
Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi had a telephone conversation today with H.E. Cyril Ramaphosa, President of the Republic of South Africa.
The two leaders exchanged views about the domestic, regional and global challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. They discussed the steps being taken by their respective governments to protect the health of their people as well as to minimise economic impacts.
Prime Minister assured that India would provide all possible support to South Africa for ensuring supplies of essential medicines during this challenging time.
Prime Minister commended the proactive role being played by President Ramaphosa, in his current capacity as the Chair of the African Union, for coordinating a continent-wide response to the pandemic.
Evoking the centuries old ties of friendship and people-to-people exchanges between India and Africa, Prime Minister conveyed India’s full support for the joint African effort against the virus.
National Financial Reporting Authority
Publication of provisional database for the companies under the regulatory ambit of National Financial Reporting Authority
The National Financial Reporting Authority is a regulatory body set up under Section 132 of the Companies Act to oversee compliance with Accounting and Auditing Standards by companies that can be described as Public Interest Entities . This group includes all listed companies, and large unlisted companies.
To discharge this mandate, NFRA is in the process of creating a verified and accurate database of companies and auditors that come under the regulatory ambit of NFRA.
Establishment of this data base involves critical steps like identification and verification of the primary data source, and reconciliation of data  which is dynamic) from different sources. In this regard the NFRA has been engaging with the Corporate Data Management  division of Ministry of Corporate Affairs  and three recognised stock exchanges in India.
A provisional data base of companies and their auditors as of 31st March 2019 has been compiled by the NFRA. This includes approx. 6,500 companies, comprising listed companies , unlisted companies , and Insurance and Banking Companies. The auditor details for many of these companies have been compiled; in the remaining cases, this exercise is in progress.
To achieve the objectives for which NFRA has been established, and to promote transparency in its working, this provisional data as of 31st March 2019 has been published on the website of the NFRA . This provisional data will be updated/revised going forward based on the collection of further data and information. Similar exercise for compilation of the data base as of 31st March 2020 will be undertaken shortly.
Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways
DD News Conclave on Eight Years of Government
Union Minister Shri Sarbananda Sonowal participates on Day 2 of the Conclave
Shri Sarbananda Sonowal: “In the last eight years, profile of AYUSH has been raised and it has gained trust within India and abroad”
Union Minister lauds coordinated approach of Ministries under PM Gatishakti
With the Union Government under Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi completing eight years, DD News is organizing a week-long News Conclave titled ‘आठ साल मोदी सरकार: सपने कितने हुए साकार’ from 3rd to 11th June, 2022. Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways & AYUSH, Shri Sarbananda Sonowal participated on the second day of the conclave on 4th June, 2022.
During his interview, Union Minister Shri Sarbananda Sonowal remarked that it is Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s vision that has led to AYUSH gaining trust and acceptability not just in India but also abroad. Further, with the establishment of WHO Global Centre for Traditional Medicine in Jamnagar, India has taken leadership for development of traditional medicine from all countries. He added that India has always been the ‘Vishwaguru’ of Yoga and that plans are afoot for celebration of International Yoga Day with participation of more than 25 crore people. Referring to Port Modernisation and PM GatiShakti in Shipping and Waterways sector, he said that it was important for India to raise its port competitiveness both in terms of efficiency and capacity. He further said that the Union Government was committed to reverse the neglect of North East by previous governments, which had encouraged vested interests to create unrest.
View full interview https://youtu.be/PFtxu_yZs7I
PIB Headquarters
EFFORTSTO REDUCE LITIGATION BY IT DEPARTMENT
Income tax Department of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana region has withdrawn 969 appeals before Hon’ble Supreme Court, Andhra Pradesh High Court, High Court of Telangana and Income Tax Appellate Tribunal, as part of its drive to reduce litigation.
A press note issued by the office of the Principal Chief Commissioner of Income Tax, informed that the cases were withdrawn in pursuance of Circular no 17/2019 issued by CBDT on August 8, 2019. The department will not contest cases with tax effect below Rs. 50 lakhs before ITAT, below Rs. 1 crore before High Court and below Rs. 2 crore before Supreme Court. Details are as below:
|
|
Appellate forum
|
|
No. of cases withdrawn
|
|
Tax effect 
|
|
AP High Court
|
|
87
|
|
35
|
|
Telangana High Court
|
|
452
|
|
219
|
|
ITAT
|
|
407
|
|
119
|
|
SC
|
|
23
|
|
29
|
|
TOTAL
|
|
969
|
|
403
In F.Y. 2018-2019 also, the department withdrew 892 cases, of which 33 were cases before Supreme Court, 441 appeals before High Court and 418 appeals before ITAT.
This action of the Department is meant to litigation as a friendly measure to the taxpayers.
Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports
SAI approves Coaching Camp for Core Olympic Probables; Opens Karni Singh Shooting Range for national squad shooters
64 additional shooters would be provided ammunition and target on Govt expense
The Sports Authority of India has approved the request for training facilities at the Karni Singh Shooting Range for national squad shooters with effect from 05 Oct 2020. 64 additional shooters would be provided ammunition and target on Govt expense.
The SAI had already opened up the Dr Karni Singh Shooting Range  in New Delhi for the NRAI core group as well as the developmental group and Khelo India shooters.
SAI also understands the requirement of a dedicated camp for shooters preparing for the Olympics and has principally agreed to the coaching camp for the NRAI core group who have been selected as Olympic probable.
However, considering the prevailing extraordinary circumstances of the COVID-19 pandemic, the details of the camp are being worked out in consultation with all the Stakeholders. In light of the present quarantine requirements of 7 days, especially when shooter/ support staff would be travelling from various part of the country, holding a short camp of 10 days for shotgun was not considered prudent. In addition, measures for implementing quarantine process for shooters accommodated at the hotel vis-à-vis the shooters travelling from homes residing in NCR are being worked out.
Ministry of Coal
Exploration of Fresh Coal Reserves
The government has not slowed down the exploration for estimation of fresh coal resources in the country. Fresh coal resources are identified through Promotional/Regional exploration/ drilling. Every year about 1 to 3 billion tonne of fresh resources are added through Promotional/Regional exploration to the Coal Inventory of the country.
Achievement of Promotional/ Regional exploration drilling was 1.76 lakh metre  in comparison to 1.51 lakh metre in 2013-14.
Initiatives have been taken to avail new techniques like 2D/3D seismic survey, Air borne survey etc. from specialized agencies through Global tendering.
This information was given by the Minister of Railways, Coal, Finance & Corporate Affairs, Shri Piyush Goyal in a written reply to a question in Rajya Sabha today.
Ministry of Finance
Income Tax Department conducts searches in Delhi, Gujarat and Dadra
The Income Tax Department carried out a search and seizure operation on 01.09.2021 on a manufacturer and distributor of synthetic yarns and polyester chips having corporate office in Delhi and factories at Dadra & Nagar Haveli and Dahej.
During the course of the search, many incriminating documents, loose sheets, digital evidences etc. have been found indicating involvement of the group in unaccounted transactions. Substantial evidence of transactions outside the regular books of accounts, cash purchases, suppression of sales and booking of sales to bogus parties have also been found.
The group has routed its own unaccounted funds to the tune of Rs. 380 crore in its books in the form of bogus unsecured loans, through paper entities, over the past few years. Besides, an amount of Rs. 40 crore has also been introduced in its books through shell entities in the form of share premium. The directors and auditors of the shell entities, have, in their statement, admitted that these entities were essentially used to provide accommodation entries.
Substantial evidence of cash purchase and documents revealing movement of cash through “angadias” has been recovered. Evidence of booking bogus purchases of Rs. 154 crore has also been detected. During the search, unaccounted jewellery has been found and 11 lockers have been placed under restraint.
The search operation is still continuing and further investigations are in progress.
Ministry of Steel
Share of Domestic Production in Consumption of Finished Steel Increasing
India has been net exporter of finished Steel since 2019-20
The following details of consumption and share of domestic production and import in the consumption of finished steel during the last three years and current year indicate that the share of domestic production in the consumption of finished steel has been increasing:-
|
|
Finished Steel 
|
|
Year
|
|
Consumption
|
|
Production
|
|
Import
|
|
% Share of Import in consumption
|
|
% Share of Domestic Production in Consumption
|
|
2018-19
|
|
98.71
|
|
101.29
|
|
7.84
|
|
7.9
|
|
92.1
|
|
2019-20
|
|
100.17
|
|
102.62
|
|
6.77
|
|
6.8
|
|
93.2
|
|
2020-21
|
|
94.89
|
|
96.20
|
|
4.75
|
|
5.0
|
|
95.0
|
|
April-June, 2021|
|
24.85
|
|
26.23
|
|
1.16
|
|
4.7
|
|
95.3
|
|
Source: JPC;provisional
The details of export and import of finished steel during last three years and current year as given below indicate that India has been a net exporter of finished steel since 2019-20.
|
|
Year
|
|
Finished Steel 
|
|
Import
|
|
Export
|
|
2018-19
|
|
7.84
|
|
6.36
|
|
2019-20
|
|
6.77
|
|
8.36
|
|
2020-21
|
|
4.75
|
|
10.78
|
|
April- June, 2021|
|
1.16
|
|
3.56
|
|
Source: JPC;provisional
The demand for steel in the country is predominantly met by domestic production and the percentage share of import in consumption has been gradually declining for last three years.
This information was given by the Union Minister for Steel Shri Ram Chandra Prasad Singh in a written reply in the Lok Sabha today.
Ministry of Defence
Headquarters Southern Command celebrates its 128th Raising Day
In a solemn and befitting ceremony, the headquarters Southern Command celebrated its 128th Raising Day on 01 April 2022. During its glorious journey, Southern Command, the oldest field Army, has successfully maintained the sovereignty of area under responsibility and has also relentlessly contributed towards nation building.
Since its raising on 01 April 1895, Southern Command has been instrumental in ensuring the territorial integrity of our nation through bravery, grit and determination of its soldiers. Troops of Southern Command have participated in several military operations aimed at safeguarding our nation. In year 1947-48, Southern Command played a key role in annexing erstwhile princely states of Junagarh and Hyderabad to Union of India. Liberation of Goa, Daman and Diu from Portuguese rule took place under the behest of this Command in 1961. During the 1965 War, Command played a crucial role in Rann of Kutch. The Battle of Laungewala fought during 1971 Indo-Pak war, saw the gallant troops of Southern Command defending the Indian territory against Pakistan’s aggression. In retaliatory offensive, the formation and units of Command captured vital enemy areas in Khokhrapar and Gadra. For unmatching successes in these operations, troops of Southern Command were bestowed upon with 70 Gallantry and Distinguished Service Awards. Apart from spearheading ‘Op PAWAN’ in Sri Lanka, Command also showed its valour in ‘Op VIJAY’ as well as ‘Op PARAKRAM’. While continuously proving its mettle in various military operations, Southern Command has also contributed immensely through humanitarian assistance and disaster relief missions undertaken in its vast area of responsibility spread across eleven states and four union territories.
Over the years, Southern Command has emerged as a formidable fighting force. With its focus on training, the Command recently conducted Exercise Dakshin Shakti, involving more than 30,000 troops in the Desert terrain. In the past year, Southern Command also hosted many joint military training exercises with friendly foreign countries. With its focus on continuous modernisation, the Command has taken many initiatives to incorporate latest technologies sourced from indigenous industry.
On the occasion of the Raising Day, a solemn wreath laying ceremony was organised at Southern Command War Memorial to pay homage to the brave sons of Southern Command who laid down their lives in the line of duty. In his message on the occasion, Lieutenant General JS Nain, PVSM, AVSM, SM, General Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Southern Command felicitated all ranks, civilian staff, veterans and families. He also acknowledged the stellar role played by all health care workers in combating the COVID pandemic. He urged all ranks to rededicate themselves in service of the nation and continue to perform their constitutional role in a professional manner.